National Sorry Day, observed annually on 26 May, is a time to reflect on the past injustices suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly the stolen generations.
It’s a day to acknowledge the pain, suffering and trauma caused by the forced removal of children from their families and communities, and to recognise the strength and resilience of survivors.
This day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and the importance of healing and building a more just future for Indigenous Australians.
It was first commemorated in 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.
On the 27th anniversary of National Sorry Day, we must recognise that the journey is not over. The scars of intergenerational trauma remain and addressing its lingering effects are essential to fostering real, lasting reconciliation.
National Sorry Day is not just a reflection on history; it is a call to action. Healing requires not only acknowledgment, but commitment.
As Australia moves forward, it is imperative to listen to the voices of Indigenous communities, honour their lived experiences, and work together to build a future rooted in truth, justice, and equality.
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